Cornerback
No. 24
Maryland State
"If Johnny Sample doesn't take the ball away from a potential pass receiver, he can always talk it away from him. Easily the most gifted conversationalist among defensive backs, he is also one of the best in the business at reading quarterbacks. Only his slowed-down legs prevent Johnny from really ripping, now that he has acquired all of that experience and know-how. Still, he led the Jets in interceptions last season with seven to rank third in the league.
The Jets were able to acquire him in 1966 after he had been dropped by the Washington Redskins. Previously, he had spent his eight years in the NFL with such clubs as the Steelers and Colts, where he played on two championship clubs under Weeb Ewbank."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
RANDY BEVERLY
Cornerback
No. 42
Colorado State
Randy truly rose to the occasion with two interceptions in Super Bowl III. With the Colts threatening on the Jet 10-yard line in the first half, he intercepted an Earl Morrall pass in the end zone. When Unitas led Baltimore all the way to the Jet 25 in the second half, Randy intercepted Johnny's pass in the end zone.
In a September game against Boston, Randy's 68-yard interception for a touchdown was the AFL's fourth-longest interception return of 1968.
JIM HUDSON
Strong Safety
No. 22
Texas
"For some reason, strong-side safeties don't get too much publicity - except, of course, when they get beaten by a tight end for a touchdown. It's a tough position to play, with little of the glamor of the other defensive backfield positions, and frankly, there aren't too many good ones around. But the Jets have a coming star in Jim Hudson, who takes to the duties of tight safety as though he were born to the job.
For one thing, he has the beef and bulk to match shots with the strongest tight ends, the finesse and reflexes a good defender must have, and the speed and tackling ability to come up fast and stop the sweep.
Last year, Jim's fourth in the league, he came up with five interceptions to rank in the top ten in the AFL. And of course, it was Jim who made a key interception of an Earl Morrall pass in the Super Bowl.
He played his college football at Texas and was signed by the Jets as a free agent."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
BILL BAIRD
Free Safety-Punt Returner
No. 46
San Francisco State
Returning punts for the Jets in Super Bowl III was the climax of just another fine season for Bill. His total of 18 regular season punt returns was good for eighth in the AFL as was his 6.2 average. Bill's five returns for 33 yards in the early November game against Buffalo were part of a 25-21 Jet win.
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